The more I deal with young children the more I believe that true synthesis of body and brain is possible only when gross-motor coordination is adequately developed. Too-early emphasis on fine-motor skills keeps the child's function at a superficial level. A child forced in this way cannot tap the deep energy of individual perception and desire; every achievement is based on rote learning.

Many bright children are neglected in this regard: Parents and teachers are so delighted to have an obvious achiever that they fail to perceive the child's hidden needs. I recall such a feeling from my own childhood. "Can't they see how clumsy I am?"

I would be interested in knowing if you had similar feelings as a young learner.